Wilder declares war on Joshua after round-one demolition job
DEONTAY WILDER needed to be hauled off Bermane Stiverne by referee Arthur Mercante after leaving his opponent sprawled on the canvas after the first round in New York to retain his WBC heavyweight title. The American then turned his aggression towards Anthony Joshua, Britain’s world champion. ‘Anthony Joshua I declare war upon you,’ Wilder, 32 (right), said. ‘I’ve been waiting for a long time, I know I’m the champion, I know I’m the best. Are you up for the test? A king takes kings. I want Joshua. No more dodging, no more excuses , make the date, don’t wait.’ Promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports: ‘I was really interested to see the weight of Deontay Wilder on the scales, 15st 9. I texted that to Anthony today. ‘I shouldn’t really tell you the reply, but it was “I’ll eat him.” The size difference is huge. It’s two-and-a-half stone now.’